The PV-GS400 is a Panasonic MiniDV camcorder that offers a three-CCD optical system and Leica Dicomar lens to produce truly stunning video images. This high-end model is an updated version of the excellent Panasonic PV-DV953 and, if anything, the PV-GS400 delivers even more features and performance for the price. The video results are worthy of a professional, while the price remains budget-friendly (relatively speaking, of course). The unit boasts three larger CCD than the PV-DV953, along with a 12X optical/700X digital zoom lens. The video images are super-sharp with outstanding color balance and saturation.

The PV-GS400 offers simple-to-use, fully automatic controls for point-and-shoot enthusiasts. However, the real joy of this camera is in its excellent manual controls. Users can manually adjust focus, shutter speed, aperture, gain, and white balance for ultimate creative control over video images. The hybrid focus ring on the camera lens can be used to not only control focus but also zoom, aperture, and shutter speed, making the PV-GS400 as intuitive and responsive as any MiniDV camcorder out there. In addition to automatic and manual control, the camcorder offers AE Lock, a semi-automatic mode that sets the shutter speed, exposure, and white balance, allowing manual adjustment to the zoom and focus.

Digital stills taken by the PV-GS400 are equally impressive. The camera captures 4-megapixel stills to SD memory card, and the USB connection allows for the rapid transfer of stills to a PC for editing and e-mailing. A pop-up flash maintains image quality in low-light conditions. There is also an intelligent accessory shoe for adding a video light or external microphone.

The compact, logical design of the PV-GS400 makes it a comfortable camcorder to handle. A color pullout viewfinder complements the 3-1/2-inch color LCD screen, and the camcorder's optical image stabilization system does an impressive job removing unwanted camera shakes when shooting without a tripod. If the unit is mounted on a tripod, the sensible top-loading tape design means MiniDV tapes can be swiftly changed without removing the camcorder. This is a top-quality model that offers great performance, and although the price tag might appear a bit steep, the PV-GS400 is worth every penny.

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts